Unable to Uninstall Internet Explorer After Windows 98 Setup

After you run Microsoft Windows 98 Setup, you are unable to uninstall Internet Explorer version 5.

This issue can occur if you run Windows 98 Setup on a computer that is already running Internet Explorer version 5. Windows 98 Setup removes the ability to uninstall Internet Explorer version 5 to protect important system files.

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.


To resolve this issue, uninstall Internet Explorer version 5 before you run Windows 98 Setup.

To work around this issue, use the following steps:

NOTE: The following procedure requires reinstalling Windows 98.

1. Rename the Iemigrat.dll file in the Windows\System folder to Iemigrat.old. To rename a file, right-click the file, click Rename, type the new file name, and then press ENTER.
2. Start Registry Editor (Regedit.exe).
3. Locate the following registry key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\ Migration\100
4. Back up the IE System Migration value:
   1. Click the IE System Migration value.
   2. On the Registry menu, click Export Registry.
   3. Choose a back-up location for the key, and then click Save.
5. Delete the IE System Migration value.
6. Quit Registry Editor.
7. Reinstall Windows 98.

This behavior is by design.

When you install Internet Explorer version 5 on a Microsoft Windows 98/95-based computer, it installs a migration dynamic link library (.dll) file, and backs up any operating system files it replaces. The migration file is installed because Internet Explorer Setup does not track the version of the operating system files it backs up. One of the functions of the migration file is to protect the files needed by Internet Explorer version 5 if you reinstall your operating system.